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Making Changes

Chapter Two

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"Do you have any extra luggage?" Helen asked as they passed by the living room. There wasn't much separation, if any, between it and the kitchen so she went ahead.

"I wanted to make a new start; besides I've got contraptions we'd need larger vehicles to move." Onceler, replied, carefully removing the guitar from around his back and mostly staring at it wistfully as he set it down in an armchair.

That guitar had been through hell with him, but for more years than he liked he had completely ignored it. He remembered his mother finally giving in to let him have an instrument around the house, but he couldn't play when she was home even if she was outdoors. As a boy maybe what a few years older than Ted he was miserable not being able to play and only admire it from a distance but when Mom went grocery shopping or out to her gossip session disguised as lunch with her friends he fell in love with music.

Until he was allowed to go out on his own music was more of a comfort than he realized at the time.

Could he get into it again? He still knew several songs by heart. In withered hands he still felt the tough strings but...what if he had carpal tunnel or some kind of arthritis now? Sometimes there was a flare of pain between his thumb and index if he spent too long repairing his contraptions. He could always go to the doctor but no thanks. He would have to get a new identity or risk being hurt intentionally probably.

"You still play?"

Onceler admittedly jumped at the sound of Ted's voice as he seemed to inherit the ability to teleport next to him. He gave the boy a halfhearted smile although it had been building up to be directed at the guitar. Onceler cringed slightly to as new fingers reached out and plucked strings making a sound that was a cross between a cough of flooded lungs and chair legs on a wood floor.

"It's been too long." Onceler said softly maybe even emotionally. The last thing he wanted was to get teary. Ted was still admiring the guitar as he turned away, desperately trying to keep his composure.

More terrible sounds were unleashed from the instrument before Ted stepped around Onceler eyes shimmering with hope as he stared up at him.

"Do you think you could teach me how to play sometime? I mean I've never been focused on one instrument or anything but I hear the guitar's perfect for beginners so..." Ted went on to trying to persuade him. He didn't seem to notice Onceler just watching out of amusement especially when Helen spoke up from the kitchen.

"Don't let him try to smoothtalk you, mister Onceler! This one thinks he's so sly but he's no different than all the boys in my class when I was his age; pick up an instrument for a month just to impress friends or a girl, realize it takes time to learn and lose patience!"

"Mom!" Ted shouted but was drowned out by Helen's giggles and Onceler catching himself off guard joining her slightly.

Ted whipped his head toward Onceler as if utterly betrayed, clearly too shocked to say anything else. But now that Onceler had managed to chase off nervousness with laughter alone he didn't think anything of giving Ted's head a quick ruffle.

"Committing to an instrument is like committing to a relationship, Ted. No second guesses, no looking around when you've got a lovely partner waiting at home-"

"Thanks! I didn't need that comparison in my life!" Ted shrugged away from his hand, rolling his eyes but Onceler definitely detected embarrassment in his voice. He didn't want to torture the boy or anything but that was kind of fun.

"Dinner's ready!" Helen called from the kitchen anyway, interrupting them. "Grab your plate and proceed in an orderly fashion..."

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Onceler's appetite for sweets knew no limits, but he had relied on so much junk food to get by proper meals were very few and far between. Of course he could whip something up if needed but fresh ingredients were nowhere to be found and he refused to stay in civilization any longer than a hasty shopping trip.

So when Onceler saw the pot of spaghetti still steaming on the oven, it was like staring at happiness. He didn't think anything of his original awkwardness joining in on their family dinner. He glided past Helen and Norma as graceful as he could arming himself with a plate and utensils. He watched in amazement as the noodles and meatballs seemed to be perfectly balanced and there were specks of garlic and onions and peppers hidden underneath.

It was going well until Onceler approached the uncomfortably small table where the family of three seemed to fit just fine, Ted in the middle seating area with Helen on his right on the edge and Ted's grandmother opposite her. It was more like a really cramped booth at a restaurant than a family dinner table but all three looked comfortable in spite of him debating what to do.

No one said anything or looked up as he approached. Ted's grandmother left her seat as if to give him room to move in between her and Ted. He did try to not kick anyone or the table as he did so. That gave flashbacks to his growing years, falling out of seats in public while his mother would just pretend that wasn't her son making a clumsy display. Yes, he had a very normal upbringing indeed.

The meal began and it was already obvious Helen trying to not launch into the heavier topics. She aimlessly twirled noodles or hovered her fork over her plate. The most emotion she had was passing the bread to her mother. Sometimes she gave a nod or one word reply when Ted talked about the new sprouts he noticed on his way to pick up Onceler.

Onceler shrank a little as his name entered the topic, expecting to be hit by the question of whether he was going to address the town as a washed up salesman or slowly put himself into their society. He could see in the ladies' eyes they were planning a good moment. He knew because he had thought of that but needed help to find the right way. He couldn't trust himself to make the best decisions now.

Helen insisted on giving everyone their servings so an equal amount was passed around. That seemed fine for the family but Onceler emerged from his own head to notice an empty plate about one minute in. An awkward moment tried to rear its ugly head as Onceler swallowed the last bite and made eye contact with Ted's grandmother.

He could have used the opportunity to ask for her name if he was going to be under the same roof. Or try to play it cool and keep boundaries instead asking how she knew to point Ted to him.

Ted's grandmother placed her fork down and folded her hands as she cast a knowing look on him one step ahead. Onceler felt like the tiniest ant being studied but what was one of the lessons he used to be beat over the head with? Don't interrupt a lady.

Ted beat them to the next topic, suddenly looking up with innocently curious eyes. "Hey Grammy Norma, you never did tell us how you knew about trees or the Onceler in the first place. Sorry if it's sudden, but..."

Ted's grandmother- Norma was it? She turned her gaze to Ted with a smirk. "Ted, you've the subtlety of your mother at that age."

"Mom..." Helen tried to cut in only to abandon it with a sigh before hurrying to take more bites.

"But I have been waiting for the right moment to tell my little story, although I can assure everyone here I wasn't the extreme activist you might be picturing." Norma said with a slight teasing tone in her voice, looking around just to check. Sure enough her family and even Onceler pretended to be more interested at the ceiling or the food. If anything she was amused.

Again no one else really gave a confused reaction when Norma stood up on a specifically bouncy part of her seat. There was no aid from her cane let alone stability under her feet but she made the transition so effortlessly. Onceler leaned away probably looking lost but actually had hope he could move like that again someday if he willed it.

Norma made various exaggerated gestures and expressions as if that added to the mini tale she begun. "Onceler here might remember this too but let me set the scene: Greenville is going strong with many residents opting to be kind to the only world they have. In a perfect world everyone would have thrown away their trash properly but not everyone listened to how important trees alone are. I lived my life knowing about the beautiful nature outside town but barely having time to spend in it, and one day I would have a chance encounter..."

"Come on, Norma! If we cut through this block we can get a good look!"

"Mabelle please! I can't run in these cramped shoes!"

"Take them off if you have to! I'll pick you out an even better pair for your birthday, promise!"

"My! Is there a celebrity in town! Who is it!"

"We can ask him when we get there! Please back me up on this one!"

The ladies skittered across the business part of town, accidentally cutting off bicycles or having to awkwardly adjust to each other's inconsistent speed. Running in longer skirts certainly didn't help but they were on their lunch breaks.

Greenville's shopping area was humble but a few extra coins were spent for a modest fountain and some benches to rest. Currently there was a fellow who looked twenty at most dejectedly strumming his guitar. Everything about him screamed band member to Norma though she couldn't say she paid attention to the newest trends. All he was missing was flannel to be the brooding one. But aside from his clothes Norma wouldn't have thought he was anyone else but a shopper.

Onceler made the mistake of forcing down a sip of water in preparation to suffer some cringe inducing memories when hearing mention of a guitar playing fellow. He referenced that when telling his own backstory to Ted but care was taken to not totally embarrass himself. He could tell from Norma getting carried away in her storytelling she wasn't going to take it easy on him while Helen and Ted gave full interest as Norma slurped up more spaghetti giving them a moment of mild suspense.

"So you were twenty and working or in school?" Helen asked.

"Oh I always knew what the outside of Greenville looked like." Norma replied. "As a little girl I was climbing trees, running through fields, picking flowers, and feeding the wildlife. But your grand folks thought I was neglecting a 'normal' life. Encouraged me to improve my grades, find more...human friends."

"You never talk about my great grandparents." Ted pointed out. He hesitated with a thoughtful look before hesitantly voicing his question. "Did you get along?"

"Ted, that's not appropriate." Helen scolded lightly. But when she looked up to check Norma's reaction, she was just smiling with pure nostalgia.

"My parents and I got along, argued, then got along again. We were a typical family and even though they didn't approve of me spending too much time outside at fourteen of all ages there's no hurt feelings." Norma responded like a saint.

Onceler knew better than to cut in when they were talking about the family but he failed to fully hold back a sigh thinking about his own past. How coming from a rural area he had all the opportunity in the world to enjoy nature or at least learn an appreciation for it. He stole a look at Norma and like she had a sixth sense for this had already set her eyes on him as she picked up where she left off.

The young man looked up from his guitar as he heard approaching footsteps. It wasn't a crowd gawking or pointing like normal, just two ladies. Immediately he flinched and forced himself to fix his posture and try being confident in front of the fairer sex. Norma caught Mabelle's eyes as they waited for him to find the words he was obviously searching for quietly giggling. Norma sensed Mabelle thought he was cute. Perhaps trying not to lay it on thick.

Norma wasn't sure if she felt the same way about him. Objectively? Yes he was cute as a button. She thought her friend must have been waiting to approach him for a while. Mabelle was the type who dated little even though Norma thought she should have all the singles lining up considering her spirit, natural glow, and sense of style.

The young man stood up, fumbling with putting his guitar away. Being so flustered he almost tripped over his own length legs. This time both ladies curbed their giggles to be nice.

It was delayed but he stood before them radiating boyish charm. "Good afternoon, ladies!"

"Good afternoon." Norma replied as she would to anyone politely.

Mabelle had completely changed now that he was speaking to them, biting her lip and forcing her head to look toward Norma for comfort and support. This was the same Mabelle who was supposed to have enough experience with dating to not fall apart from nervousness immediately. This was worrying.

Even the young himself was suddenly thrust into the awkwardness, clearing his throat when the wait for Mabelle's reply seemed dead in the water.

It just wasn't going to happen with Mabelle burying her face behind her purse, any coherent speech that found a way out blocked. Norma knew the value of a first impression and she sprang to action.

"We're sorry to bother you, stranger. It's just that my friend here notices you a lot while shopping and really wanted to say hello someday. Don't take her hiding as a bad sign; I promise she's actually so happy to show it."

"I...am..." Mabelle shyly added as the purse moved away slightly.

"You're making me feel like some kind of celebrity, acting like that. I'm just a weird guy with too much time on his hands wondering what to do with my life." The young man sounded so earnest and pure especially as he briefly smiled.

"You play guitar in public places; there's nothing weird about that." Mabelle said much too fast to assure him. Once she realized she could talk in front of him she lowered her purse back to her side, visibly letting a huge breath from her lungs as if she'd cut herself off completely.

"Maybe I should start charging? Do you think people want to hear this?" The young man asked, whipping out his guitar again to play a short and simple melody. The fact he could do so unprompted had Mabelle near to hearts in her eyes.

Norma had a little more reservation about musician types even though she could see this guy changing her mind. She didn't know how to give proper criticism to music so she gave Mabelle a nudge in the arm. Her smitten friend had come dangerously close to letting out a squeal.

"Sometimes I stop just to hear you play! I'd love to hear a full song if you ever have the time...not that I'm trying to be pushy! Um on second thought disregard everything I say forever."

"You can handle this." Norma assured her; fist clenched as if to spur her on to victory.

"Well if you really think so...yeah, money's not...I'm nearly broke actually." The young man gave them a nervous look but otherwise spoke his request clearly. "Since I'm new around here, well I actually live outside town but if you think I could make it I could use someone to spread the word about an up and coming musician."

"That's a lot for people you barely know." Norma gave him a sly smile possibly with her ulterior motive to hook them up shining through. "Now, it's only polite to ask for a lady's name. Besides how are we to know how to spread the word if you don't tell us yours?"

"You're right; I was raised better, at least I hope so. So...who are you ladies?"

"Call me Norma."

"I'm Mabelle! Two ls that is!"

The young man absorbed that knowledge but a little frustratingly didn't comment on Mabelle's obvious enthrallment of him. He would give them the brightest smile that went as far as to reach his eyes make him truly look the most harmless person for miles.

"It's going to sound a little weird, but just call me Onceler."

"That was you!" Onceler shouted, beyond grateful he didn't have food or water in his mouth at the time. To his shock, forgetting his manners pointing in disbelief Norma's way she smiled almost smugly.

"Have the years been so unkind to me?" Norma asked.

Helen and Ted looked back and forth genuinely unsure where to begin with the mini revelation. Was it even that? Onceler reeled back, flustered about how to even respond. All he could do was quietly murmur how she had brown hair back then realizing aside from her clothes and lack of cane that was the only difference. Norma couldn't help but have a short but deep laugh at his expense and he accepted it.

Norma regained her composure quickly and soon had her cheek resting on her hand as she gazed upon him like a schoolgirl with a crush but also with a glint of contradictory seriousness in her eyes. "But we only met a handful of times since my match making efforts blew up. I would say if Mabelle were still here she wouldn't recognize you for the whiskers."

Ted had a glint of his own in his eyes like he was ready to pounce on the idea Onceler might have a secret love story to tell, have a way to get information about relationships from a male perspective. Helen caught him, silently telling him to just eat his dinner with a simple gesture to his plate. He obliged, even if he did pout slightly.

Norma sighed quietly and stuck her fork back into her last pile of noodles. She really didn't look hungry anymore so spoke to fill a void. "It's only fair we be honest, Onceler. To tell you the truth: I wanted to see the same wide eyed fellow from back then. But when I saw you earlier I was almost irritated remembering how I felt the day all the mom and pop stores were shut down for the buildings looking like science fiction. If you're living in town again, there will be people like me."

"Then how can I start over?" Onceler asked, the question building up since he came here. As his words hung in the air he was forced to realize how accidentally desperate that sounded.

"You start small...like that seed you gave me." Ted suggested. He winced, obviously thinking it sounded clever in his head.

"Just show people how sincere your efforts to change are." Helen added seriously. "Don't deny who you used to be; that will only cause trouble."

"But if it takes too long, don't you give up and run away! You have to own up to what you've done before you're truly ready to change!" Norma piped up with scolding finger wag.

Onceler mentally stuffed all their advice in a box. He had a feeling no one in this family knew just what he was going through and could only speak from their personal feelings on people who attempt to change. He didn't know why that gave him hope however. Maybe it had been too long since he had anyone give him advice. Then again yet another one of his flaws was never listening. This time he had to keep her ears open because it wasn't likely they were going to give advice every desperate moment.